Timing Equipment for track race races are what make a difference in the results of a race. Over the years we have become very sophisticated in our ability to capture very close races. In addition we have video equipment that is very sensitive to measurable events such as long jump.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=track+and+field+timing+systems&qs=AS&sk=&FORM=QBVR&pq=track%20and%20field%20timing&sc=8-22&sp=1&qs=AS&sk=#view=detail&mid=503A63878ECCF682E4E4503A63878ECCF682E4E4
http://rgntrack.com/laser.html